There are multiple sources of water. Glaciers, rivers and freshwater lakes are sources of drinkable water. They often have no taste or they taste sweet due to certain naturally available minerals in the water. Seawater is saline and it is not drinkable. Groundwater or water obtained from wells can be consumed and they may or may not have any distinct taste. Depending on the source and the quality of the water, it could be refined, filtrated, purified and treated in myriad ways to make it drinkable or to acquire a certain taste.
Over the years, people across the world have experimented with water. That has paved the way for different kinds such as seltzer water, sparkling water, soda and other variants. When you walk into a store today, you may be utterly confused with the labels. Let us put to rest all such confusions. Seltzer water, sparkling water, club soda or mineral water is not the same thing. Here is the difference between seltzer and sparkling water.
Seltzer
Seltzer is just plain water which may or may not be carbonated. The carbonation process is simple enough. Carbon dioxide is added to the water during the bottling process and that gives it the bubbly texture and appearance. Seltzer water may be sweetened or flavored. It is one of the most common types of carbonated bottled water consumed today. It is clean and doesn’t have any distinct taste, unless flavored. Apart from drinking and cooking, seltzer water is used for cocktails and an array of other drinks. It is often used as an alternative of club soda.
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water, which is also known as sparkling mineral water, is sourced from wells or springs. It is the most expensive of all types of carbonated bottled waters. There are very few freshwater springs and abundant wells in the world where from you can obtain absolutely natural sparkling water. Areas where you can obtain such natural spring water, the bottling often happens right at the source. There is no artificial carbonation process during bottling because the water naturally contains sodium and other minerals. Sparkling water has a heavier feel and it has a certain taste, which could be sweeter or a unique flavor depending on the content of minerals. That again depends on where the water has been sourced from and if it has been subjected to any carbonation or flavoring before being bottled. Sparkling mineral water can be consumed as is but it is not ideal for cooking or as the base for cocktails and other drinks.
